Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. running in this years school board primary, said Medical Lake Education Association president Ryan Grant. District officials have said all staff members from the consolidated schools will be retained and the buildings would remain in use. According to initial reports by Bloomberg and confirmed by Axios, the Biden administration is preparing to propose a range of tax hikes for both wealthy individuals and large corporations. I must acknowledge that over the past several months, our learning community has engaged in personal, passionate and often difficult discussions. The views expressed in this article are solely those that were interviewed and not those of the Bellevue School District, employees, volunteers or affiliates. In short, a total of seven schools are up for consolidation, including: Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Woodridge, and Wilburton. Interim Superintendent, Art Jarvis, explained that Wilburton Elementary students would go to Clyde Hill Elementary and Enatai Elementary and Eastgate Elementary would be combined with Spiritridge Elementary. Recommendations for closing three elementary schools were made by Dr. Art Jarvis, the interim superintendent for the school district. The schools being considered for consolidation are Sherwood Forest, Woodridge, Wilburton, Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, and Phantom Lake. On average, these individuals owe $37,574. The "Save Our Schools Rally" is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday outside the district's ESC building at 12111 NE 1st St. She was asked by the school principal to present the case to the closure committee to keep Lake Hills open. Many parents told KIRO 7 this hasnt felt like a discussion at all. It was confirmed at a previous School Board meeting that all staff members from the consolidated schools will be retained and the buildings would remain in use. "Is it the location of the school building, or the services our students receive when they arrive at school? The Bellevue Schools District (BSD) said it has seven elementary schools on a list for a consolidation plan that will go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year. In 1923, Bellevue High School became the first accredited four-year high school, making it the oldest school in our district. every single school board member should be removed due to absolute incompetence. Seattle Schools has seen more than a 7% drop. Bellevue School District Chooses 3 Elementaries to be Considered for Consolidation By Kara on February 9, 2023 in Events, News, Real Estate Ardmore Elementary School The Bellevue School District's board met today to discuss the consolidation of three out of seven elementary schools in Bellevue. Bellevue School Board voted in favor of closing two schools Likewise, our children adjusted reasonably well to the consolidation and quickly formed new friendships. Bellevues total enrollment has dropped by more than 9% over the past 3 years. In the north region, for example, the Ardmore, Bennett, Cherry Crest and Sherwood Forest schools have a capacity of 2,400 students but an enrollment of 1,575. A comprehensive timeline provides dates for when all schools first opened, yet their challenges and successes are a part of perspectives only told by past and present students, staff and families. In response to a recent spate of home burglaries in Bellevue and the surrounding areas, law enforcement officers have stepped up their patrols. The Bellevue School District announced this month that its planning to close three elementary schools because of declining enrollment. Bellevue "Save Our Schools Rally" planned for Monday evening - king5.com The Republicans have a tough task ahead as the Democrats escalate their efforts to take down President Donald Trump before the 2024 race. The Board has extended the time for Public Comment to 50 minutes for greater community engagement. This FAQ cites contract language and will be updated as needed. Fortunately, the principal helped calm our community and assured us that even if we were selected to close, we could make it work. Open houses about Bellevue school consolidations being held this week The decline in enrollment is not unique to BSD alone, as districts throughout the western region are facing similar challenges. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, cooking, frequenting the Bellevue Downtown Park with her family and searching for the perfect chocolate treat. The largest employee union of the Los Angeles Police Department is proposing a change in their duties, where officers will no longer respond to over 25 types of calls. Courage, accountability and collaboration are key leadership skills to reimagine our community and how we operate within it. Advising, tutoring, counseling, career planning, and other services help you reach new heights. BELLEVUE, Wash. Emotions and tensions were running high at the Bellevue School District meeting on Thursday evening. Parents say theyre skeptical of some of the districts projections and wonder if officials have explored policy changes that could help balance enrollment across the district. Sam Houston State University. These are the schools that had been recommended to be consolidated with other Bellevue schools. Bellevue School District approves elementary consolidation plan This 2-minute video explains. During the past eight years, elementary grade sizes have drastically decreased while secondary grades have grown, although this trend was disrupted by disease outbreaks. The School Board willmake a decision within 90 days. Bellevue Digital Discovery is the newest BSD school, officially launching in 2022, as the need grew to provide an online learning option for students. I'm also really proud to be the first person in my family . To see the full speech, click here. Public schools receive most of their money from the state based on how many students attend, so officials worry that resources could be stretched thin unless they take drastic action. The Parisian police have recently enforced a prohibition on gatherings within certain locations near significant governmental establishments, as a means to quell the demonstrations opposing France's proposed increase of the retirement age by two years without proper voting procedures, Fox News reports. Immigrant, Undocumented Students, and ICE Enforcement Resources, Bellevue School District Virtual Academy 2021-2022, The History of District and School Consolidations in the Bellevue School District, Sunset Elementary (now Puesta del Sol) 1958, Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination: Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or, Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment: Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or, Disability Discrimination: Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Heather Edlund, (425) 456-4156 or. Bellevue JR/SR High School . Emotions and tensions were running high at the Bellevue School District meeting on Thursday evening. Some have accused the nominee of being a political crony with a questionable track record, as they are currently under investigation and lack the necessary qualifications for the important role. On a chilly evening in south Bellevue, parents are filing into the cafeteria for an open house at Eastgate Elementary. In December and January, we partnered with the Bellevue Education Association and building leaders on this topic and continue to meet regularly. Changed the criteria for entrance, and, I believe consolidated the elementary program. This K-6 school located in the west Bellevue area was also known for serving neuro-diverse and special needs students. While these advancements in artificial intelligence have undoubtedly made information access more efficient and personalized, they also pose a significant threat to the very foundation of the World Wide Web. For the past several months the Bellevue School District has shared information with our learning community about the enrollment challenges the district is projected to experience. Are they purely looking at this from a numbers perspective?" Local officials said such moves could be necessary to resolve budget shortfalls. The piece, penned by Times US editor David Charter, described DeSantis's presidential ambitions as "his worst-kept secret.". Copyright 2023 Bellevue Schools Foundation | Bellevue Schools Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization #91-1080997, Arts, Enrichment & Innovation Grants 2023-2024, Inspiration & Incubation Grants 2023-2024, Read about the gift to our Mental Health program. He will take over in July. We do not need 18 elementary schools at the moment, or in the next decade, Jarvis said at Thursdays meeting at the districts Wilburton Instructional Service Center, across the street from Wilburton Elementary, one of the schools slated for consolidation. Thankfully, our principal helped me see the bigger picture. Wilburton would move to Clyde Hill and Enatai elementaries. a.Ensuring the presence of a SOAR chapter at each school. There have been approximately 15 school consolidations from 1978 to the present, starting with Ashwood Elementary School in June of that year. BELLEVUE The Bellevue School District has chosen Ardmore, Eastgate and Wilburton elementary schools as the three it is recommending be consolidated with other schools, district. It promotes positive educational working environments, safeguards members' rights, informs and works with the extended community, provides representation on educational issues and acts to obtain the resources necessary to insure excellence in public education. Comparing your thoughts and feelings to now, what comes up for you? It can be found by navigating to the Meetings tab and selecting the March 9, meeting agenda. Bellevue, like many school districts, both locally and nationally, is faced with some difficult decisions on how to responsibly manage the fiscal fallout of these enrollment shifts. KUOW is the Puget Sound regions #1 radio station for news. But that doesnt explain all of it. Wasnt that a bad financial decision by the district? BELLEVUE, Wash. Bellevue parents have one last chance to hear about the districts plans to consolidate some elementary schools and shift students to other school campuses. Providing you with a unique take on current events. Nicole Holley's child attends Eastgate and she says shes ready to fight for the school. Petition to slow Bellevue school closures. : r/BellevueWA - Reddit After the District met once again, they decided to take Ardmore Elementary off of she says. Bellevue School District 405 School Board Meeting Reminder Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023 Time: 4:30 p.m. Public Comment for this meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. As the nation grapples with this mounting problem, the debate surrounding student loan forgiveness and degree inflation continues to intensify. Our Mission . Families push back on Bellevue Schools' consolidation plans They moved the kids to Clyde Hill and then Cherry Crest. The district will hold hearings for affected schools the week of Feb. 27. Jarvis said there is a surplus approaching 3,000 seats in Bellevue elementary schools, which translates to at least 100 empty classrooms. Just where are all the Bellevue students going? Oregon State University. During his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA) outlined his strategy for leveraging his newfound power in Congress to unsettle Democrats, according to Mediaite. Seattle Public Schools will host information sessions, though dates havent been revealed yet. 11 mins On a chilly evening in south Bellevue, parents are filing into the cafeteria for an open house at Eastgate Elementary. 5. The district is expected to make its final recommendation to the school board on Feb. 9. She has also been the Snohomish Education Association president for five years. In October 2022 it became clear that enrollment would not go back to pre-pandemic levels, as a result of lower birth rates, higher housing costs, more educational options for families including private schools, lower immigration levels, and families moving to more affordable areas. If Ardmore is consolidated, Bennett and Cherry Crest would gain fewer than 100 additional students and Sherwood Forest would gain about 200 new students. Some have been organizing online and doing their own sleuthing into budget and demographic data. This week, the Bellevue School District has been hosting open houses so families can voice their concerns. Parents still wait for answers from Bellevue School District on school The Bellevue School District doesnt appear to know where all those 1,800-plus kids have gone over the last several years. As a part of this announcement, it was included that Ardmore would not be amongst the schools that are to be consolidated. On January 12, BSD will share some potential scenarios with the Directors of the Bellevue School Board at the study session of regularly scheduled Board Meeting which aim to address declining enrollment and share opportunities to engage all stakeholders in providing final recommendations. Read about the gift to our Mental Health program. Seattle has 106 public schools with ~50,000 students, and Bellevue has 30 public schools with ~18,000 students.Both districts have seen big enrollment declines in recent years due to factors like the pandemic, which led some parents to home-school their children or enroll them in private schools. It gives the sense that people are not being treated fairly and the viewers dont really know the breadth of the dissatisfaction. Members of the Bellevue School Board will be briefed Thursday on proposals aimed at helping the district deal with its declining enrollment numbers. Bellevue School District tweaks closure plan of elementary schools Enrollment is projected to decline for the next 10 years to a low of 16,000 students, according to Melissa deVita, the districts deputy superintendent of finance and operations. It is projected to continue declining for the next 10 years. The Bellevue School Board voted Thursday to approve the district's recommendations to move Eastgate and Wilburton elementary students to other schools after a monthslong process that spurred. I also wondered if the school district had done enough to explain the options that were considered to address the budget deficit and the criteria for identifying the schools to be considered for closure. "I gave her just enough information so that if something came up on the playground, she wouldn't be blindsided.". Across the state, private school enrollment is up by a bit more than 8,300 students, about an 11% increase since 2019. Register for public comment here. 4 shot at illegal Capitol Hill street racing event, Parts of Seattle's encampment clearing rules are unconstitutional, judge rules, Rain returns to Seattle for the first time in over a month. The district had recommended consolidating . The magnitude of the situation serves as the rationale behind consolidation considerations. Bellevue School District - Wikipedia This process has come across as hasty, opaque, and disingenuous leaving many in our larger community feeling frustrated, angry, and distrustful, one parent said at an open house this week. During a recent episode of ABC's The View, co-host Joy Behar stated that, in her opinion, if former President Donald Trump is not arrested this week, "we will not have a country.". That being said, enrollment in private schools and home-schooling have both experienced an increase. The seven schools involved in the discussion include some that have been part of the community for 70 years. Farah Jadran (KING5) 1/29/2023 In KING 5's continued coverage of the Bellevue School District's plan to close and consolidate three elementary schools - requests for comment have been sent to. As talks continue, lets sort through the basics parents and students may want to know. Forecasts predict that this trend will continue over the next decade. On Wednesday, Joe Biden addressed the House Democrat Caucus Issues Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore. Sheri Y: Three things: One, the principals style was very supportive and welcoming. The district also posted a timeline for the process. " They changed the name to Advanced Learning. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Read about the gift to our Early Learning Program. Two, lots of meetings were held, so we felt like things were transparent. The Bellevue School District released its recommendation for consolidating elementary schools Thursday, suggesting students at three different schools be sent to other schools in the. Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. When you experienced school consolidation while in the district, how would you describe your experience at that time? Join today to publish and share your own content. We cannot keep the same service levels in all of our schools if we keep the same number of elementary schools that we currently have, and allow our enrollment to drop down as low as 200 students per school.". The President also urged his supporters to organize protests in response to this news. Some say they bought their houses here, in Bellevue a very expensive city so they could be near this school. Thank you for celebrating this new chapter with us! Decision on Bellevue elementary school closures expected Thursday My complete recommendation, along with supporting documents will soon be available on BoardDocs for the community to review. Parents are grappling with what deVita is saying. Some parents upset with Bellevue School District's recommended elementary consolidation plan. What it means for the kids? Lake Hills received a new principal, Mike McBride, at the beginning of the consolidation, who reached out with empathy to both communities and committed to honoring both schools traditions. [2] Three short years later, Bellewood Elementary became the fourth school to be consolidated, sending students to Lake Hills Elementary in June 1981. Brand freakin new school. Libby Denkmann joined KUOW in December 2021 as the host of the midday show Soundside. Find Us . A letter sent to families states that one proposal is to merge three of the seven schools with the largest declines in enrollment, which include Ardmore, Eastgate, Enatai, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Woodridge, and Wilburton elementary schools.
Erie Elementary School,
Whispering Hills Apartment Homes,
Articles B